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Rare wetland to get special status

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it's designating a rare type of wetland in Chanhassen as a state Scientific and Natural Area.

Seminary Fen is 73 acres of grassland, drenched with water and minerals. Eight species of rare plants thrive there, and nearby Assumption Creek is home to trout.

Dan Ress teaches environmental science at Chaska High School. His students sample the water in the creek every year.

"It's so close to the metro area, where people are just not very used to rare wild pristine places. This is one of them," Ress said.

As a Scientific and Natural Area, the fen can't be developed. But there are plans to build a bridge for Highway 41 nearby. Ress says if the bridge alters the flow of water, it could destroy the fen's unusual ecosystem.

Officials will be at Seminary Fen to dedicate it as a Scientific and Natural area this afternoon.